If you are in one of these categories and you do not have the required
travel document for re-entry to the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter,
your immigrant status may be stripped and deportation/removal proceedings
may begin.

Get counsel from a Houston immigration attorney when you call (832) 981-2170
today. The Law Office of Mana Yegani is here for you.

What Happens if I Leave the U.S.?

If you are a
permanent resident and you plan to be outside the U.S. for over one year, you will need a
re-entry permit (Form I-131) to return to the U.S. Re-entry permits are
valid for two years, and you may use it as your passport, traveling freely
outside the U.S.

However, if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines
you did not intend to permanently reside in the U.S., an immigration judge
may find that you have abandoned your permanent resident status.

For example:

If you remain outside of the U.S. for
over six months, you risk losing the continuous residency requirement within the U.S.
to become a U.S. citizen.

If you remain outside the U.S. for
over one year, USCIS may argue that your permanent resident status is void, and it may
begin deportation/removal proceedings if you attempt to re-enter.

If you remain outside the U.S. for
over two years, your re-entry permit will expire. You will need to apply for a returning
resident visa (SB-1) at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Contact Our Houston Visa Attorney Today

It is important to consult a
Houston immigration lawyer to fully understand the benefits and consequences of traveling outside
the U.S. with immigrant status. Attorney Mana Yegani helps people throughout
the Houston area. Find out what the legal steps are to apply for travel
documents and visas.

Set up your initial consultation with Ms. Yegani today by calling (832) 981-2170.
Our firm is ready to advocate for you!

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.